YEMEN: It was a moment I’ll never forget. The house began to shake violently, a force so strong it felt like the very foundation was trembling. The windows rattled, and then, with a deafening crash, they shattered into a thousand pieces. The sound was terrifying, and for a moment, I thought the house might collapse around us. My heart raced as I grabbed my family and tried to stay calm, though I could feel the fear rising in everyone.
As the tremors continued, I could see the panic in my family’s eyes. We rushed to find shelter, unsure of what was happening or how long it would last. The shaking felt endless, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the safety of my loved ones. It was as if the world was falling apart in those few moments. I kept reminding myself to stay strong, but the uncertainty was overwhelming.
After what seemed like an eternity, the shaking finally stopped. Silence took over, but the tension in the air remained. I checked on my family, relieved to find that we were all unharmed. However, the damage around us was clear—the shattered windows and the broken furniture were reminders of how close we had come to disaster. The realization that we were lucky to be safe settled in, but the fear lingered in the back of my mind.
The experience left a lasting impact on me. I’ve never felt so vulnerable before. It was a stark reminder of how fragile our lives can be. The terror of that moment has stayed with me, and I’m now more aware than ever of the unpredictable nature of the world around us. While we were fortunate this time, the event made me realize the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.